The park was originally established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917, primarily to protect the region’s wildlife, including the Dall sheep. The name “Mount McKinley” was given by a gold prospector in 1896 in support of then-presidential candidate William McKinley, despite having no direct connection to the region. For centuries, however, indigenous Koyukon Athabaskans referred to the mountain as “Denali,” meaning “The High One.” In 2015, after decades of advocacy by Alaska Natives and state officials, the name of the mountain and park was officially restored to Denali.
The park’s landscape is a breathtaking mosaic of towering mountains, rolling tundra, and dense forests. The heart of the park is the Alaska Range, a rugged chain of mountains that includes Denali as well as other prominent peaks like Mount Foraker and Mount Hunter. Glaciers carve through the valleys, with the Kahiltna Glacier being the longest at 44 miles.
The terrain varies drastically, from the taiga forests at lower elevations — composed of spruce, birch, and aspen — to the open tundra and permanent snowfields higher up. This diverse environment supports a wide array of plant and animal life.
Mount McKinley National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s “Big Five” mammals are grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. These species are often spotted along the Denali Park Road, especially in the summer months:
Birdlife is equally impressive, with golden eagles, ptarmigans, and various waterfowl gracing the skies and waterways.
Hiking is a popular way to explore the park’s untamed wilderness. Unlike many national parks, Denali has few maintained trails, encouraging off-trail hiking for a true backcountry experience. Popular trails include:
Wildlife viewing is a highlight for most visitors. The Denali Park Road, stretching 92 miles into the wilderness, offers prime opportunities for spotting the park’s Big Five. Bus tours, ranging from narrated trips to non-narrated shuttles, allow visitors to journey deep into the park without disturbing its delicate ecosystem.
For the most daring adventurers, climbing Denali is the ultimate challenge. The West Buttress route is the most popular path, but the climb is grueling, requiring weeks of preparation and acclimatization. Only about 50% of climbers successfully reach the summit each year.
The park offers several campgrounds, from the easily accessible Riley Creek Campground to the remote Wonder Lake Campground, which provides breathtaking views of Denali on clear days. Backcountry camping permits allow experienced hikers to immerse themselves in the park’s wild solitude.
The park entrance is located near the small town of Healy, about 240 miles north of Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks. Most visitors arrive by car, bus, or the Alaska Railroad, which offers a scenic route from both cities. The Denali Visitor Center, located near the park entrance, serves as the main hub for information, permits, and guided activities.
Mount McKinley National Park, now known as Denali National Park and Preserve, remains a symbol of Alaska’s untamed beauty and grandeur. Whether you’re marveling at the towering peak of Denali, hiking through vibrant tundra, or spotting grizzlies from a park bus, the park offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the wild. It stands as a testament to the power of nature and the enduring spirit of the land and its people.